Fulfilling a Fashionable Need: A Business Model for ASU’s Fashion and Beauty Publication

Arizona State University presents numerous opportunities beyond the classroom for students of various academic disciplines, such as through organizations and publications. However, there is a demand by students for more extracurricular activities pertaining to the field of fashion. This thesis presents a solution to the dilemma by outlining a business plan for SPARK, a funded and student-led campus fashion and beauty magazine. The content of this paper will discuss the need for an outlet of this nature and the research that was conducted to support this idea, such as the fashion-related opportunities that already exist at ASU, an overview of the university’s current student publications and a comprehensive competitive analysis of fashion magazines from colleges around the nation. A main research component of this creative project was a survey that was distributed as a means of understanding the fashion media interests and consumption habits of ASU students. The results of this study will be discussed, followed by an analysis of how these data played into the organization and planning of the publication. Attached to this dissertation is a business plan comprised of a thorough value proposition, three-year budget, audience insights and more. A sustainable business plan for SPARK, an interdisciplinary and original student-led fashion magazine, will be presented.